President Robinson officially opened the 1996 Telecom Special Olympic National Games at Belfield yesterday. Over 720 competitors will take part in the events, starting today with an Australian team from West Perth included for the first time, they are under the guidance of Irish woman Ann Smythe.

The Olympic torch bearer had a joint Garda/RUC escort into the arena after nine days on the road and the opening ceremony included the lighting of the flame which will burn until the close on Sunday afternoon.

STAGE FOUR of the Dublin Bus five-day cycling Tour of Fingal last evening resulted in a bunch sprint at the end of the 38 miles at Ballymun with Keith Bannon leading the charge. Paul Griffin was fourth and the bonus of two seconds puts him six seconds ahead of Richie McCauley going into the final stage this evening in the Phoenix Park.